Three-course meals and a show? New dinner theater opens in Lexington

Dinner theater is nothing new ... unless you live in Lexington. Tracey Lease is reintroducing the interactive supper to locals through Plates and Plots Dinner Theatre. The theater has been open for nearly six months.

Up to 50 people can enjoy a three act production during a three-course meal. Lease, along with a cast and crew that includes White Knoll High School students and local actors, have produced a half-dozen murder-mysteries so far, all of which were written in-house.

“We’ve had shows where one person did it, or we have shows where all of us have done it,” Lease said. “A show might not always have the same ending depending on what night you come.”

Just coming off a run of “Murder in Law,” the company will next perform “The Perfect Mate,” with more in the works. Each show includes interaction with the audience. Some diners read lines, or find themselves cast as a love interest of one of the show’s characters.

“Dinner theater ... some people really enjoy it and some people are not familiar with it at all,” Lease said. “Those are the ones that have a lot of fun because they don’t know what’s going to happen when they walk in the door!”

Lease said the shows are tame enough to be considered family-friendly, but are also great for date nights or groups of friends looking to try something different.

“Coming to see one of our shows is less expensive than going to dinner and movie,” Lease said. “You stay in your seat, it’s intimate and we have a great time. I’m hoping we can continue to provide some entertainment and a fun evening out. That’s our goal.”